Oh yeah - I have another question - have any of you used the MPX 6-pin plugs as recommended, and have you fixed them into place in the wing root and the fuse so they mate only when the wings are in place? If so, is this method reliable, and compatible with the factory wing-to-fuse joining method?

I still use the ol' Futaba extensions and plugs, but they are a pain especially during disconnects. My Mueller Escape has the MPX 6 pin and it works very well. I am going to switch to the Deans 4 pin with a "floating" connection that can be pushed into the wing root (by slightly widening the slot). That way it would provide a little strain relief just in case it was needed.
Regards
AJ

AJ, yeah, I know what you mean about a looser arrangement. I use the MPX connectors on other 4-servo wing planes, but they are all "free" - i.e. the connections are made in the wires, the wires are then tucked away, and the wing is then mounted. The wiring connection and the wing mounting are independent systems, so a loose wing cannot affect the wiring connection. That would be my fall-back approach with this plane.

What I was curious about, is if anyone has tried gluing the connectors into fixed positions, so they mate only when the wing is mounted. I'm not sure if that is what Valenta intend, but the holes they have made in the wing root and the fuse seem to be exact fits for the MPX units, so it seems that is what they intend? The wings seem to be held on by friction only - no retaining screws or anything (if I understand the instruction sheet properly), so it seems a bit risky to me to use such a system for your wiring to the controls.

Mike, I have heard of it, but I must admit I haven't seen it in the flesh. Thanks for the heads-up! My other gliders use bolt-down or retaining screw systems. Anything special, or just ordinary clear tape? Any idea of a link to an international supplier perhaps?

when you push the wing in on the wing rod to the fuselage you have joint between the fuselage and the wing that's what you tape. you run a strip of tape from the l.e. to the t.e. that covers the open joint. after flying you just pull the tape off and remove the wing. i buy electrical tape at home depo. it comes in green, white, blue, yellow, red, or black. you may order it from their web site. good luck

For the wing joiners for the electronics I used Hoopes Connectors. Tom Hoopes is in my local club and he builds these awesome connectors that when glued in will connect as you plug the wing in.
I will post some pics, but I am going on vacation for a week so it will have to wait until I get back.

I just use white electrical tape to join the wings. Put down a base first of a wide 2" clear packing tape that always stays on, then carefully cut the tape at the wing joint so you are creating a clear coating on the wing and the fuse. Then each session just join the wing then use the white electrical tape on the wing joints.

Chris, If you PM me your mailing address and send a 5 pound note I will order one for you and send it to you myself as far as the landing skeg goes.